Sherrod practicing but slowly

Nov. 15, 2012

Sherrod is coming back from a severe leg injury – he broke both bones in his lower leg last December in a game at Kansas City. He didn’t practice in the offseason, was on the physically unable to perform list from the start of training camp, and had to start his three-week window to practice last week, though the Packers were off because of their bye.

This week has been Sherrod’s first work in practice since just before he was injured. During the portion of practice open to reporters today, he took part in individual and small-group drills but didn’t appear to be moving anywhere near full speed and strength. He can practice the rest of this week and next, and then the Packers will have to decide whether to active him to the 53-man roster, place him on injured reserve or cut him. It’s hard to see him ready for the 53-man roster in a little more than a week, so he probably will end up on injured reserve.

“The thing with him, he’s always been very good with his mechanics, his footwork,” said James Campen, the Packers’ offensive line coach. “Those things are still there, you see that, he takes the proper steps. I think it just comes down to him taking the reps and getting more comfortable before you really take the leash off and let him run. You have to make sure he’s fundamentally sound and can do the things you’re asking him to do. There’s a progression in place.”